"Enlightening minds, enriching lives" is the motto of this pre-K to eighth grade Catholic elementary school. St. Germaine is the parish school of St. Germaine Catholic Church. The school is closely connected with the parish, connecting students to their Catholic faith and encouraging them to live out the Gospel values of Christ.
St. Germaine's takes a unique "whole child" approach to education, meeting each student where he or she is at academically. Success is a big part of the rigorous academic program. For struggling students, attainable goals are set to build academic confidence and instill a love of learning. The bar for success is set higher for more advanced students to keep them challenged and engaged in learning.
The school does not believe in letter grades on report cards; rather areas of curriculum are broken down to give parents a better understanding of their child's skill levels, identify weaknesses and build on strengths. Parents are able to understand all aspects of how their child processes reading and math.
St. Germaine's offers tuition assistance through a matching grant program. Families may also apply for a free or reduced lunch program.
There is a resource room operated by the assistant principal offering remedial assistance to children in various subject areas. Spanish, music and other enrichment programs are also offered. The school facilities are attractive and well equipped with a state-of-the art computer lab and superior gymnasium facility.
Local police and firefighters frequently stop by the school to educate students about drug prevention and fire safety. The Farm Bureau also brings animals to the school to teach students about farm animals.
Older students mentor younger students, reading books and parables to those in lower grades. Many subjects are hands on; students make erupting volcanoes in science class and meet local elected officials to better understand how government works. St. Germaine students regularly engage in community service projects, such as making cards for seniors in local nursing homes or packing and delivering lunches to the homeless.
There are several parent organizations that provide for parental involvement. The school holds an annual summer picnic with children's activities and entertainment for adults. A "parents night out" offers parents opportunities to engage with others in the St. Germaine community.
In 2007, St. Germaine was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School. The award was based on Terra Nova test scores that placed St. Germaine students in the top 10 percent of schools across the country.
Columbus Manor Elementary School, one of five public schools in the Ridgeland 122 School District, was added to the district in 2006. The building has an advanced computer lab, multi-purpose gymnasium that also functions as an auditorium, a library, science lab, cafeteria and expansive playground.
A school nurse, social worker, reading specialists and instructional assistants are available to help children who may be struggling academically.
Simmons Middle School is one of five public schools in the Ridgeland 122 School District serving sixth through eighth graders. Simmons is a newly-built school that joined the district in 2008. The building houses an advanced computer lab, multi-purpose gymnasium that also functions as an auditorium, library, science lab, cafeteria and playground. A school nurse, social worker, reading specialists and instructional assistants are available to help children. Students have the opportunity to participate in activities ranging from fine arts to student council. An active parent organization strives to increase activities offered to students.
Ernest F. Kolb Elementary School is one of five public schools in the Ridgeland 122 School District. Kolb is a new school that was added to the district in 2000. It replaces an older school and is named after the popular late mayor of Oak Lawn. The building has an advanced computer lab, a multi-purpose gymnasium that also functions as an auditorium, a library, science lab, cafeteria and playground.
A school nurse, social worker, reading specialists and instructional assistants are available to help children who may be struggling academically. Kolb also offers music and art. Students are given the opportunity to participate in activities ranging from fine arts to student council. An active parent organization strives to continually increase the number of activities offered to students.